Christmas 2012
www.wimbledonpark.com
Established 1904 W. A. GARDNER & SON
Quality Traditional Butchers 157 Arthur Road, 020-8946-2215
We are now taking orders for your Christmas Fare Finest Bronze FREE RANGE Turkeys. Free Range Geese & Chickens. Scotch Aberdeen Angus Pasture Reared Beef Free Range Pork, Additive-Free, supplied to us direct from the farm. Venison , Wild Boar, Ducks & Game.
We also stock a large selection of Free Range Eggs - Soups Sauces - Pickles - Preserves - Pastas - Cheese Home made free range pork sausages.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year.
From all at Gardners Butchers
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Christmas edition 2012 Contents
Cover photo courtesy of Andrew Wilson from his new book Wild About Wimbledon (see Page 38)
Chairman’s Report 4 & 5
Plan of Wimbledon Park Hall 6
Join The Friends of Wimbledon Park 8 & 9
Crime Figures 10 & 12
The Village Hall Gallery 14
Merton Residents Healthcare forum 16
Wimbledon Park Primary/Durnsford Rec. 18
Join the WPRA 20,21
Interesting Walks 22
Wimbledon Park Safer Neigbourhoods Team 24
Diamond Jubilee in Stroud Road 26
Christmas message from St Luke’s 28
Museum of Wimbledon 30, 36,37
Friends of Wimbledon Park — update 32 & 34
Wild about Wimbledon 38 Committee list 40 Index of Advertisers 42
All advertising enquiries to: Kathy Blackburn on 020 8946 3957 Email: [email protected]
Editorial help needed. Contact Iain Simpson on 020 8947 1301 email: [email protected]
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Chairman’s Report Wimbledon Park Hall The steelwork has gone up remarkably quickly and we can now see the building outline properly. We understand the building might be completed by the Autumn of next year. In the meantime we will be making appropriate preparations for when we ultimately take over the ground floor premises. On page 6 you will find a plan of the ground floor which includes the Hall, cafe area, kitchen and toilets. The picture on Page 7 is a computer generated image of what the completed building should look like. We have already had some inquiries about letting the Hall and expect interest to increase as the building progresses. We are happy to take expressions of interest in long term letting arrangements as well as short term. However, until we have progressed our discussions with the Council (from whom we will be obtaining the lease) to the next stage, we cannot give confirmation of prices or make any firm commitments. We expect that situation to change within the next 3 months. If you are interested in finding our more about the plans for the Hall and would like to discuss possible future letting, you can email me on [email protected] or call me on 07836 361 782.
AGM report We were pleased to welcome a good number of residents to the meeting and welcome Jane Plant, Volunteer Co-ordinator of the Tree Warden Group as guest speaker. The Chairman’s report was made deliberately short on the basis that most important issues are covered in the newsletter. However I was pleased to report that our campaign to have Kenilworth Green (opposite the bottom of Kenilworth Avenue) deleted from the Council’s list of sites for possible develop- ment, has been successful. I have had a letter from the Council confirming that the area will be protected as an ‘open space’. Since then we have had discussions with the Highways Department who have agreed to do some necessary tree work which will open up the space considerably and allow us to undertake some suit- able planting; in particular replace what was destroyed by the developer of the adjacent property. We were grateful for the attendance at the meeting of the Architects for the ‘Hall’ , H&C Architects LLP, who gave a short presentation on the current position of the building. I would like to thank those committee members and other residents who contrib- uted to making the AGM an enjoyable and successful evening.
International Evening Despite what looked like a lack of interest in the early stages of planning, in fact it turned out to be a very successful evening. About 50 people enjoyed a very good evening with a huge variety of very tasty food from around the world; an immensely sociable atmosphere and some very enthusiastic dancing! A wonder- ful display of classical Indian dancing was provided by some younger members of the Modasia family and John Bilsand and Pauline did a great job of instructing us on some well known Scottish Dances. Lots of people contributed to the
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success of the evening but special thanks to Veronica Sarkhel who was the main organiser and inspiration.
Wimbledon Park—Car Park Extension As many of you will know, the Council have applied for planning permission to make permanent the so called temporary car park inside the park at the Revelstoke gate. The original application was made in June but as a result of the massive wave of objections they changed the application by amending the Design and Access statement and producing a ‘Transport report’. We submitted objections on both occasions. Our objections are based on what we consider to be strong planning grounds given the fact that the present temporary car park, by its hard core base, is in fact a permanent structure and is a breach of the Council’s own planning rules (this has been admitted by the Plan- ning Department) and also is totally contrary to the Council’s newly adopted ‘Core Strategy’. Furthermore the park is a historically important ‘open space’ and listed grade II* by English Heritage. It is also in a Conservation area and as a result re- quires much greater consideration. The Council has not provided any evidence that additional parking is necessary. As parking is free, it is clear to many local residents who are in the park on a daily basis, that there are people taking advan- tage of the free parking and not actually using the park. One can only surmise that the Council seems to be ignoring its own planning rules perhaps in the hope that it might, in some way, help towards offsetting the cuts in its Greenspaces budget. Another disgraceful example of this was the recent attempt by the Green- spaces department to tear up the grass surrounding the War Memorial in the Village, without any consultation. We understand they hoped to save money on grass maintenance by putting down tarmac instead! If you would like a copy of our objections just email me and I will send you a copy. Happy Christmas
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PLAN OF WIMBLEDON PARK HALL COMPLEX
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Friends of Wimbledon Park ‘Friends of Wimbledon Park’ has been formed as a result of extensive discussions between the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association, the Southfields Grid Resi- dents’ Association and the Wimbledon House Residents’ Association. These are the main Residents’ Associations which surround Wimbledon Park. The reasons for forming the new group are:- • to provide a proper forum for discussing the wide range of issues that concern local residents and regular Park users, and • to provide a formal representative group for discussing these issues with the Park owners, managers and other interested organisations.
The objects of the Friends are for the public benefit:- • to secure the preservation, protection and improvement of Wimbledon Park (“the Park”) as a place of historic and ecological interest and beauty; • to promote the conservation of the natural plant and animal life of the Park and, in particular, its retention as a natural habitat for wildlife; • to educate the public in the history, natural history and other aspects of the Park; • to support the implementation of a Conservation Management Plan for the Park; • to acknowledge that the Park provides valuable resources for active and passive public recreation and that such pursuits can and should exist side-by - side with the heritage values of the Park; • to acknowledge that the Park, through its size, character, accessibility and facilities, has special features which should be enjoyed by people from this part of south-west London. For the benefit of Park users:- • to report back at regular intervals to local residents and members on the Park owner’s plans and upkeep of the Park; • seek and maintain a constructive and positive working relationship with the Park owners. Those local residents who wish to join as members of the Friends of Wimbledon Park may do so by completing the Application Form on the next page and forwarding to one of the addresses listed. Those who include their e-mail address and tick as appropriate will receive a copy of the Friends’ Executive Committee Minutes and, from time to time, other important information relating to Park issues. Please note: unless you supply an email address with the application, we are unable to acknowledge receipt.
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FFrriieennddss OOff WWiimmbblleeddoonn PPaarrkk
To join the ‘Friends of Wimbledon Park’ (FOWP) please complete the following:
Title ………Forename…………………………Surname………………...... *
Title……….Forename…………………………Surname………………………………………....**
Corporate name……………………………………………………………………………………….
Address ……………………………………………………………………………......
………………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Post Code ………………………………………Application Date………………………………...
Email*** ………………………………………………………..Phone:……………………………… **If young adult add date of birth here……………………………….. **Family add any children’s names under 16 years on back or separate sheet with date of birth. ***Would you like to be included on an email list for FOWP updates & information? YES/NO
Please circle your interests: Trees / Plants / Wildlife / Birds / Sport / Dogs / Kids / Other……………………
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Annual subscription rates (circle selection)
Individual £5 Family £8 Young Adult £1
CORPORATE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE £50.00
Your details will be kept on computer solely for administration purposes
Payment Options: a) Cheque – made payable to ‘Friends of Wimbledon Park’
Delivered or posted, with this application form, to:- The Chairman (FOWP), Nick Steiner, 116 Clonmore Street, SW18 5HB
FOWP Application form MAY 2012
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DATETO 08/10/201 2 19/10/201 2 17/10/201 2 20/10/201 2 28/10/201 2 22/10/201 2 26/10/201 2 30/10/201 2 20/09/201 2 30/09/201 2 11/10/201 2 11/10/201 2 12/10/201 2
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DATE FROM
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NUE ROAD ROAD LOCATION WEIRROAD DORA DORA ROAD DURNSFORD MOUNTROAD GORDONDALE PLOUGHLANE PLOUGHLANE ASHENGROVE HAVANA ROAD CAMELOTCLOSE CAMELOTCLOSE AVONDALEROAD FARQUHARROAD
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theoffside and boot. No suspects seen or heard. forcedentry to van. No suspects seen. methodunknown inside and once making off with the thevehicle same they came in. Damage has been caused to the front door of a prope tothe No lock. entrywas gainedto the property. suspects By trying to gain access via the rearwind suspects By removingthe wooden panel in the ground windowand gaining access to the house andtaking p Victim returnedto her vehicle and noticed a longs by suspectunknown damaging the rear windscreen wip snappingit off and shoving in the drivers side d Suspectsseen to open boot of vanparked a before w left Lorry parked over weekend at base, driver side smashed inorder to force entry and the steering wh suspect By unknown taking the four hubcaps from th withoutconsent Driverside wing mirror stolen by unknown suspect Suspectsunknown took from tools locked and secure whileVictimwas inside shop.When Victim returned Suspectshave used anunknown tool gain to entry to Victimhas disturbed them before they have been abl Vehiclefound with deep scratches on bonnet and bum rearwindscreen wiper snappedoff. suspect/s By unknown gaining entry to the vehicle u listed. by suspectnot known rear doorforcing and side doo unknown By person(s) attending location in a vehicl exiting ger the vehicle and forcing the rear door t openand taking items from within. Suspect then mad anddown road looking into other cars vans. / barrellock damaged inside vehicle. anythingand they have runoff. and cle stealingpower tools and hand tools from wi
ALLEGATION
Att. Burglary Att. in a Dwelling. Burglary Att. Non Dwelling Burglaryin a Dwelling. DamCrim to M/Veh - £500to £5000 DamCrim to M/Veh - under£500 Interferencewith Motor Vehicles Interferencewith Motor Vehicles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles TheftMotorfrom Vehi- cles WIMBLEDON PARK
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900 500 830 700 220 600 800 1300 2359 1717 1836 1000
12/10/201 2 15/10/201 2 20/10/201 2 26/10/201 2 27/10/201 2 25/10/201 2 14/10/201 2 30/10/201 2 07/10/201 2 10/10/201 2 24/10/201 2 27/10/201 2
1 900 200 500 600 1200 2000 1915 2100 2300 1430 1823 1700 1600
07/10/201 2 12/10/201 2 19/10/201 2 25/10/201 2 26/10/201 2 01/01/201 2 14/10/201 2 07/10/201 2 24/10/201 2 07/10/201 2 10/10/201 2 09/10/201 2 22/10/201 2 26/10/201 2
ROAD ROAD ROAD GAPROAD WEIRROAD DURNSFORD REVELSTOKE ACUBAROAD ARTHURROAD ARTHURROAD ARTHURROAD HAVANA ROAD VINEYARDHILL GRESHAMWAY WATERSIDEWAY AVONDALEROAD ASHCOMBEROAD ess. cles own, n left ehicle (S) un- ing gar- , , taking
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offorced entry, sat nav and sunglasses stolen. Car Car broken at some point over the course of six day diesel drained form 3 vehicles pects at location by unkno vehicle left over night victim found vehicle in the By person(s) unknown taking all whilstsecureparked and unattended 4 overnight. hub caps from a v all 4 Hubcaps taken fromknown whilst vehicle was parked on street parking o victim's vehicle by person sparewheel removed Suspect and Victim are/were partners. They went evening ou with friends, then came Both back were to drunk. her place After t Victim'sphone and watch. a disagreement Suspect left Unknown suspect removed york stone patio from dwell den suspect By taking phone fromlocation without conse By suspect as shown entering thenstarting vehicle and making vehicleoff. by method unkn Victim’s moped was taken Theyheard the bike being taken from outside his home addr Person(S) unknown have stolen vehicle outsidethe venue shown whichlocked and unattended had bee suspect unknown has by method unknown stolen twofromvenue whilst left secured and unattended cy Vehicle entered and handbrake taken off, vehicle th approx 20yds down the road into another vehicle by unknown. dooropen no damage and sat nav taken tim'shome address
Theft from Motor Vehi- cles Theft from Motor Vehi- cles Theft from Motor Vehi- cles Theft from Motor Vehi- cles Theft from Motor Vehi- cles Theft from Motor Vehi- cles TheftinDwelling a Theft Not Elsewhere Classified Theft Not Elsewhere Classified TheftMotor of Vehicle TheftMotor of Vehicle TheftMotor of Vehicle TheftCycles Pedal of Unauthorised MotorVehicle Taking
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For all your Tax Advice • Accounts • Self Assessment
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Contact us at:- Park House 158-160 Arthur Road Wimbledon Park London, SW19 8AQ
Telephone: 020-8944 1180 / 020-8947 3361 Fax: 020-8944 0863 Email: [email protected]
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Merton Residents Healthcare Forum The last edition of this newsletter devoted space to news of Merton Residents Healthcare Forum (MRHF) leading with the question ‘What’s this all about?’ The article then proceeded to set out some of the Forum’s aims, highlighting a major concern that so much change was occurring in health and social care but few of us had much of a clue about why and how this was the case. The Forum has been very active since then creating a network of contacts and planning a programme of activities. WPRA, as you will know, is one of the founder members of the Forum, and is closely involved in all aspects of this development. What has the Forum done so far? We’ve been very active. In September, we were involved in supporting St George’s decision to arrange a meeting for members to discuss the changes that had been put in place to safeguard patients’ care after the death of Kane Gorny. Our own first public meeting took place on 10 th October and provided the opportunity to hear about the ways in which local residents were able to be in- volved in decision-making. The five speakers were representative of major bodies involved in healthcare provision: Peter Jenkinson and Trudi Kemp, St George’s NHS Trust, answered questions about Foundation Trust status and what it meant both for the hospital and for the local community; Dr Gnanpragam Vasa described the work of the local Clinical Commissioning Group; Linda Kirby pro- vided an overview of Merton Council’s Health and Well Being strategy; and Barbara Price gave a presentation on the role of LINk and the steps being taken in the transition to the establishment of the new watch-dog, aptly named Healthwatch, in April 2013. Over the last three months it’s been vital that we keep abreast of the consultations associated with Healthwatch and also the Health and Well Being Strategy. We have probed the rationale for the GP Surgery Finance Review. We have also been in touch with the review team Better Services Better Value (BSBV) about the basis for their recommendations on the status of St Helier hospital. The Forum is now putting in place a programme of activities for 2013. In the next public meeting we aim to focus on an area that runs through so many healthcare initiatives, namely Patient Participation (PP); we need to ask the questions What does PP mean and what is its potential? We also hope to arrange in due course a series of meetings spotlighting, for example, centres of excellence in local health- care, the nature of privatisation, discharge processes in local hospitals. Is the Forum exercising influence on residents’ behalf? It is much too early to make an overall judgment about that but, yes, we think so. We have a foot in the door now and are on our way to serving a very useful purpose. At the meeting on
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10 th October, members of the audience provided an endorsement of the role that MRHF has set out. It will, of course, be important that from April, 2013, the Forum’s work complements that of Healthwatch. Please let us hear from you personally about issues that you think the Forum should cover. Iain Simpson and Pat Tunstall If you would like to makes suggestions or be on our email list you can contact us at [email protected] ***************************************
Wimbledon Park Primary School/Durnsford Recreation Ground Expansion Project – Update Building work within the school area has commenced and continues…..
Inside of the Rec the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) is complete except for the fi- nal surface. Unfortunately, the late start and inclement weather has prevented this surface, which needs adequate temperature to ‘set’, from being laid. It will be Spring before this is complete. The current black surface will then be covered by green (although some of the men have told me ‘off the record’ that it will be pink or scarlet!).
At the time of writing, the fence around the MUGA still has to be erected together with the new 5-a-side football goals, which will incorporate the basketball nets, and the netball nets will be provided. The current black surface may be marked out for these sports before the final surface is laid. Writer’s comment – should there not be a low fence all around the football pitch to bounce the ball off…..?
This delay will mean that the temporary roadway across the Rec will remain until the Spring.
Digging work inside the fenced area was done from the wrong plans, which af- fected some tree roots. This area has been re-covered with soil and turfed. Also turfed is the small area previously used for football and basketball (an area much too small) and grass areas around the MUGA. With the cutting of the original grass around the area it is beginning to look good.
The mulberry tree looks as if it will survive with many of the leaves dropping off rather than dying.
So Dads (and Mums of course) – is it not time you considered creating road foot- ball, basketball and netball teams and leagues…………….it’s up to you!?
Ivan Scott
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Why should I support the Residents’ Association?
There has been a Residents’ Association in Wimbledon Park since 1906. It provides a forum for discussing important local issues and a platform for action. Since it’s inception, the Residents’ Association has helped hundreds, probably thousands of local residents, irrespective of religion, race or creed who have turned to the committee for guidance and support. We check the planning applications of all local buildings and have been very successful in opposing unsuitable developments. We promote planting and improvements in local parks and green areas. We work with the local police to help you to fight crime in your street by publishing the crime statistics in our newsletter. We have led the initiative to redevelop Wimbledon Park Hall –so that once again we can have our own community centre. We have put on fairs and shows and supported numerous local campaigns, individuals and families faced with tragedy. The Residents’ Association has given the Wimbledon Park Community a solid and respected voice when dealing with Merton Council. An individual can achieve only so much, but as a team we can and do achieve so much more. This area is growing and improving all the time. Your Residents’ Association is more active than ever and we are happy to put in time and effort on your behalf. But we cannot function without funds. We did extremely well financially from the Edwardian Fairs we have run over the last 3 years but that money has been put aside for the running of the new Park Hall – delayed yet again due to the current Global Recession . We need you to support your local Residents’ Association ideally for 3 years, which is only £12. Twelve pounds for a 3 year period will help us pay for printing and stationary to publish this newsletter, computer & IT software to run the website, materials and equipment to organise the next fair and keep the flowerboxes blooming in Arthur Road. Please take a moment to fill in the very brief form opposite. We regret that unless an email address is supplied, we are unable to acknowledge receipt. If you are already a member but are not sure of your current status, email to [email protected] and we will check for you.
Thanks in advance for your support. It is hugely appreciated.
DeNica Fairman
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To Join the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association
Please complete this form and return it to us with your payment: Name ______
Address ______
______
______Post Code ______
Email***______
SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 Year...... £5.00 3 Years...... ….£12.00 Donation...... …...£______
Payment Options:
By cheque - please make cheques payable to: Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association
Post to: WPRA, 3 Strathmore Rd, SW19 8DB
By Cash You are welcome to drop your subscription through the door of the Membership Secretary, DeNica Fairman at 3 Strathmore Rd, or of our
Chairman, Iain Simpson at 56 Home Park Rd.
Email*** If you would like to be included on an e-mail list for crime alerts, WPRA updates and information on other important local issues Please tick here
Please date……/……/……...
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Interesting Walks During July, I had the chance to be part of three amazing walks which heavily featured Wimbledon Park, and their link is St Mary’s and children. The first in early July was a small group led by Martin Sumpton. It was a walk round the grounds of the Wimbledon Park Golf Club. They are thanked for making it possible. It was a very enjoyable time, spent watching children enjoying themselves on a beautiful sunny day, in water craft on the lake, and seeing many views, including the Boat House in the park, where usually one sees the view from the Boat House. It was so wonderful to see the lovely trees, the well kept greens and birds with their young. It was also good to chat about big issues in the park, like how to stop the lake silting up. In the middle of July, I was very privileged to go on an interfaith walk. Details are shown below. From each of the religious buildings we had a speaker telling us about their faith, and enjoyed refreshments. Our stop at the Wimble- don Mosque Prayer Hall was managed by Mr. Saleem Sheink and the Chairman of the Mosque Council.They explained the history of the Mosque and their beliefs. It was so refreshing to hear people speaking of what they believe, and also discussing along the way with young people, big social and religious is- sues with a great sense of mutual understanding. I also talked with a boy the same age as Jonathan my son. He was a very keen Crystal Palace fan and could not be persuaded there were better teams. Later on in July, the Wimbledon Society organised a walk which was led by John Harvey who has written a book called “A Firm Foundation” about the history of Bishop Gilpin junior school, which is on Lake Road. In was formed in 1758, when the Rev’d Cooksey of St Mary’s met with others in the Rose and Crown to form a charity school for the poor children of Wimbledon. This was to learn reading, writing and religion. The walk visited Rushmere and one of the sites of the Study school, where the Old Central School, (the former name of Bishop Gilpin School) used to meet. It was a wonderful informative walk. It finished with refreshments at the Crooked Billet. Ken Ball
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Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhoods team
The Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhoods team is your dedicated police team. We fo- cus on local issues in partnership with other agencies to deal with our priorities. The team currently has priorities of burglary, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB). These are set after consultation with the Wimbledon Park ward panel. We meet four times each year and discuss crime and other local matters.
Contacting police - new non-emergency number 101 It has never been easier to report a crime or make the police aware of any suspicious activity in your local neighbourhood. As well as the “999” number, which should always be used if you require an immediate police response, you can contact us on “101”. Gen- erally speaking, if it’s happening now telephone “999” and if it’s happened and there is no need for an immediate police response then use the “101” number. Whichever num- ber you use your call will be prioritised and you will be given some indication as to how and when the police will respond. Alternatively, you can contact the Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 721 2452 or email us at wimbledon- [email protected] . Please note that your SNT is not available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can contact Wimbledon Police Station directly on 0208 947 1212. In the case of an emergency always call 999.
Ward drop-in surgeries The team is still required to make dates and times available for residents to come and see us. These are called ward surgeries. The dates and times are advertised on the team webpage which can be accessed via the Metropolitan Police official website then following the links to the neighbourhood teams. Select Merton, then Wimbledon Park. Of course we are always contactable when we are on duty and find that most people will either phone or e-mail us if they need advice or assistance.
Alleygate Schemes Burglars and shed thieves will often look to gain entry to a property or garden at the rear where they will feel they are less likely to be seen by neighbours or pass- ers-by. Alleys provide excellent cover and easy access to and from the rear of a property. Closing off these alleys reduces the risk of burglary. An “Alleygate Scheme” may provide protection from unwanted visitors by gating off the alley access points. Access to the alleys can only be gained by keys issued to all those within the particular scheme. The London Borough of Merton may provide up to 50% of the cost of installation with the balance being funded by those residents within the scheme. The more residents opting in means the cost will be reduced. The support of most, if not all of the residents is required before any work can be- gin. If you are interested please contact the Wimbledon Park SNT on 0208 721 2452 or [email protected] . One of the team will meet with you and consider if you would benefit from the scheme.
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The day Stroud Road was car free On a Sunday in early June, Stroud Road was car free, due to the holding of a Diamond Jubilee Party. The last time I think the street was car free was in 1953. A group of residents including Lucy, Jane, Alicia, Nicky, Caroline’s 1+2, Berna- dette, Sam, Richard and Anna plus others, organised the Sunday party, to ensure that most people in our road had a wonderful time, chatting, enjoying food, sau- sages/BBQ meat, with the help of Gardner + Son in Arthur Road and the barbe- ques from the local Scout Group. Before the 2pm start, many people helped by streaming bunting across the road, putting up tables, laying out food they had prepared and setting up three easy ups. It was so good to see the young people of the road playing football, while some rode their bikes, caught toy ducks and others did wonderful Arts and Craft. There was wonderful background music and a map of the world was produced to show the roots of everyone who lives in the road. We did have some rain during the day, though that didn’t stop the enjoyment of the day. The Leader of Council Stephen Alambritis visited and stayed a while chat- ting. lt was good to be able to chat with peo- ple who had lived in the road for different periods of time. There is a famous photo taken of a street party in our Road to cele- brate the end of World War II and the South London press came along and took a photo to recreate the same photo at our street party. The party continued till dusk with people mingling, chatting and younger people hopping around on a pogo stick. The next day all the bunting and tables etc were gone, the cars returned though the spirit of community that was evident on that day, still remains . Ken Ball
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A Christmas Message from St Luke’s
Dear Friends The blockbuster of the year was surely the latest James Bond film – Skyfall. If you haven’t seen it, don’t worry, I won’t spoil the plot! In it, we find a rather different Bond. Gone are the gadgets and gone is the scene-to scene action. In their place is an altogether deconstructed Bond; a (dare I say) vulnerable Bond. We are given Bond’s backstory; we get to know something of his childhood; we even get mention of his parents. And as we are invited to relive his past we get in some measure, a glimpse of what drives him and an insight in to the very thing that makes him, well, Bond. Of course, the story-line is still compelling (some would argue more so) and there are brilliant flashes of nostalgia. And as the film unfolds we are confronted with the question: Does Bond have a future or is he an antiquated relic, an irrelevance from a bygone age? As we celebrate Christmas this month, perhaps we might take the opportunity to deconstruct the familiar? The familiar trappings of excess and of self, of Dickensian winters and dodgy sweaters, of ‘season’s greetings’ and TV specials. Who is this vulnerable baby, born in to poverty some 2000 years ago? What is his backstory? Is the story of Jesus an antiquated relic, an irrelevance from a by- gone age? The bible describes the coming of Jesus as an event of massive significance for God’s dealings with the world he made and for every one of us in it. In Luke’s gospel we learn from the angel that “Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. The deconstructed Christmas is about who Jesus really is: God’s real solution to the real problem with the world. It is this that is the meaning hidden under the layers of familiarity – God’s genuine love for each of us by sending his only son to rescue us. So please do join us this Christmas; we have plenty of services throughout December – full details are available on our website: www.wimbledonchurch.co.uk If we don’t meet, may I take this opportunity to wish you a fabulously deconstructed Christmas. Oh, and if you’re having a Martini….well, you know the rest! With best wishes Reverend William Rogers Curate, St Luke’s Church
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MUSEUM’S BIRTH FULFULLED AN OLD DREAM AT NO PUBLIC COST By Tony Matthews FRIDAY (26 October 2012) 9am: When the Museum of Wimbledon opened to visi- tors at 22 Ridgway for the very first time 96 years ago on 19 October 1916, it fulfilled a dream dating right back to the mid 19 th century.
There were no sophisticated displays or art gallery - let alone the interactive wizardry seen in so many museums today - but for the first time, local people could briefly take their minds off the First World War to see a variety of objects, pictures and items of interest on permanent view right in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Moreover, it came at no charge to the public purse as it was run entirely by the local conservationist group, the John Evelyn Club, forerunner of today’s Wimbledon Society.
But setting up the museum had been a very long haul indeed. Long before the John Evelyn Club existed, a museum had been planned alongside the reading room, library, and lecture hall of the Village Club when that was founded in 1859 by local surgeon Joseph Toynbee (see Heritage page 6 July 2012). Sadly, Toyn- bee’s accidental death in 1866 as the result of an experiment in his surgery had put the idea on hold and for more 40 years nothing further happened.
Finally in 1903 when the John Evelyn Club was set up in order to help protect Wimbledon’s fast disappearing historical features and natural environment, the new group’s founder, Richardson Evans, proposed forming a local museum and reference library “primarily devoted to the illustration of local annals, antiquities, art and natural history”.
It was a bold aspiration but the local authority showed no interest in funding it. Another three years passed before Evans – who lived at The Keir on Common Westside – was able to organise a special exhibition of watercolours, portraits, maps, books and miscellaneous objects, not at the Village Club but at an Art Col- lege in Alwyne Road. The objects included a falcon’s bell, a wooden ear trumpet and the official coat once worn by the Wimbledon Beadle – all potential exhibits for a permanent museum.
The exhibition proved popular and Evans followed it up by creating another one at his own house. Wimbledon’s local councillors were invited to see it and he urged them to adopt a more imaginative approach for the public benefit. They re- fused.
Eventually the Village Club’s own trustees ended the procrastination by inviting the John Evelyn Club to use its reading room for a museum as well as committee meetings. Evans and his colleagues were delighted and soon decorated and adapted the room, bringing in albums for photographs and press cuttings and a cabinet for prints and maps.
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Friends Of Wimbledon Park News update for members, November 2012 The battle goes on against the proposed extension of the car park As you probably know, Merton Council recently revised its planning application for the extension of the car park by the Revelstoke Road entrance to the park. This meant it had to publish the new plans and invite the public to comment once more. The deadline for comments was Novem- ber 2, and many FOWP members made individual objections, in addition to the formal FOWP objection prepared by Nick Steiner, with lots of helpful input from various people. The Wimble- don Park Residents’ Association and Southfields Councillors also submitted objections. When we hear any news on the Council’s decision, we will of course keep you updated. Looking after Horse Close Wood Dave Lofthouse, arboricultural manager for Merton Council, will liaise with Nick Steiner on a Na- tional Grid project which is due to take place in Horse Close Wood over the winter. We under- stand that there may also be some forthcoming tree work along parts of the northern boundary of the wood, due to the trees’ close proximity to houses and gardens. When left alone, the wood tends to thrive, though it does sometimes suffer from builders working in adjacent properties. Dave has assured FOWP that Jane Plant, volunteer Tree Warden Coordinator, will keep us in- formed whenever there is any tree work planned in the park. Name that stream Plans are afoot to ask local schools to take part in the naming of the streams that flow into and out of the park. This should be a fun project that helps children to get more involved in their lo- cal park, and to take pride and interest in its natural features. Wimbledon Fortnight/Olympics During the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this year, residents of Revelstoke Road put up a ‘residents only’ sign to deter cars from entering the cul-de-sac. This worked well – but Merton Council’s highways department removed it because a Traffic Management Order had not been obtained. Next year, if residents want to do the same, two such orders will be required, one each from Merton and Wandsworth Councils, at a cost of £250 each. FOWP is going to approach AELTC to see if they will meet the cost. The grass which was significantly damaged by the Championships and the Olympics has now been repaired and is growing well. Meanwhile, there is a proposal to construct a 10m x 7.5m concrete slab and permanent foul drain in the golf course owned by AELTC, at the Wimbledon Park Road end of the park, as a site for temporary portacabin toilets for those queuing for the tennis. The proposal involves the felling of one field maple tree and the planting of two oak trees. FOWP is investigating and considering its response. Sports update Football and cricket (See next page)
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There have been calls for more football pitches and cricket squares in the park. However, the park is already used for touch rugby and various ball games and can’t accommodate any more formalized pitches. The fitting of cricket nets has also been raised, but FOWP’s opinion is that The Wimbledon Club could be approached regarding this. Athletics Stadium Burns and cracks to the Athletics Stadium track surface are currently being repaired. Although many people believe that the poplar trees around the boundary of the Stadium are the cause of the cracking, this is not the case, as Merton Council periodically opens a trench and checks for roots, none of which have been found. FOWP recently learned that The Wimbledon Club wants to create a hockey pitch within the track. Tennis There are problems with the surface carpet on the tennis courts and work has stopped, because heavy machinery can’t be driven over it. We hope to receive more information shortly about the work, so that we can keep you informed. Ping pong Discussions are under way about the best way to bring ping pong tables to the park – possibly to the new volleyball area. Waterfall Garden The loose gravel in the Waterfall Garden has been replaced by fixed to prevent stones being thrown into the stream. Better rubbish bins needed There is a problem in clearing the waste around bins, which is often scattered by foxes. Other types of bins could be considered for installation in the busiest areas of the park. These can be difficult to pick up and empty, but there would be a reduced need for litter picking. Open (not quite) all hours The official opening times for the park are 8am on weekdays and 9am at weekends, though in practice the park is usually open about half an hour earlier than these times. There is currently no sign indicating opening times on the gates, although closing times are noted. We are consid- ering whether better notices are required and whether it might be possible for local residents to have a key to the pedestrian gate. Your views on this are welcome. Our membership is growing FOWP now has 45 members, including four corporate members. A Secretary and Membership Secretary have now been appointed, though we still need someone to create and run our web- site. An application made in June to the Capital Community Foundation for funding for a website has, despite reminders, still not been decided. We hope that the official launch of FOWP will take place in the February half term, possibly in the Community Clubhouse, with separate events for children and adults, and themes of sport and the environment.
Founder members Southfields Grid Residents Association; Wimbledon Park Residents Association; Wimbledon House Residents Association 34
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At first the museum was only open on Wednesday afternoons but proved so popular that the hours were extended to every day. It had to close two years later when the whole building was commandeered for war use and the collection was moved temporarily to Eagle House. When the museum finally re-opened in April 1920 its hours were limited to Saturday afternoons.
Since those early days the Museum of Wimbledon has seen various closures and transfers of its collection, not least during the Second World War when various places of safety were used. However, the collection itself has always survived and in due course been enhanced as its home at 22 Ridgway has re-opened in tri- umph.
Nowadays the Museum of Wimbledon is open every Saturday and Sunday after- noon. There have been a series of refurbishments and extensions – most recently the addition of the new art gallery by the Village Hall Trust which allowed this year’s major display of the museum’s collection of historic watercolours (see Heritage page 3 February 2012). Before this, there were many special exhibitions such as those commemorating the centenary of Wimbledon Theatre, the bicen- tenary of the abolition of the slave trade thanks to local hero William Wilberforce, and the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, won by another local hero, Lord Nel- son.
This article first appeared in October this year in the online (Wimbledon) Guardian Heritage page The Author, Tony Matthews, is Newsletter Editor of the Wimbledon Society Newsletter. Tony has contributed a story on Wimbledon’s history every week, to the Guardian, since the beginning of the year and will have written 52 by the end of the year. The Society will be consolidating these fascinating stories of Wimbledon history in a book to be published next year.
Historic display model Panels explaining Wimbledon History
36 More pictures on next page
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Entrance to Museum and Model of Wimbledon’s original Tudor Manor House
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Index of Advertisers Page
Accountants Haines Watts 6
Carpenter Daniel Smith 11
Computer Services London Computer Doctor 2
Children’s Activities Musical Express 7
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W.P.R.A. Committee 2012/2013
Ken Ball 20 Stroud Road SW19 8DH
John Bilsand 22 Wellington Road SW19 8EQ
Kathy Blackburn - Advertising 51 Ryfold Road SW19 8DF Spike Clarke 30 Home Park Road SW19
Andrew Dalton 92 Dora Road SW19 7HJ
Beate Eberhardt 17 Crescent Gardens SW19 8AJ
DeNica Fairman - Vice Chairman 3 Strathmore Road SW 19 8DB
Nigel Israel 14 Ryfold Road SW19 8BZ
Paresh Modasia 124 Arthur Road SW19 8AA
Michael Moore 344 Durnsford Road SW19 8DX
Elaine Sandon 90 Ashen Grove SW19 8BN
Ivan Scott (Minute Secretary & Treasurer) 22 Haslemere Avenue SW18 4RP
Veronica Sarkhel - Social
Iain Simpson - Chairman & Newsletter 56 Home Park Road SW19 7HN
Editor
Peter West 33 Cromwell Road SW19
Cllr Janice Howard, ex officio
Cllr Oonagh Moulton, ex officio 21 Melrose Avenue SW19 8BU Cllr Linda Taylor ex officio
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Index of Advertisers
Accountants Haines watts 13
ABK Accounting 19
Building Work Bernie 31
Cancer advice Wimbledon Cancer friendship 11
Carpenter Daniel Smith 7
Car Body Repairs AutoRefinish 41
Central Heating ABC Central Heating Services 17
Computer Services London Computer Doctor 39
Estate Agents Burlington Residential 44 Robert Holmes 25 IMI Property Solutions 29
Engineering Naismith 33
Financial Services GSRM Consulting 37
Flowers Flowers by Faith 11
Garden design & Build K D Raynsford 35
Gifts and Cards Chalk 13
Home Care Home Instead 31
Hair & Beauty Trio 19
Indian Food takeaway K2 27
Locksmiths Oakley Locksmiths Ltd 41
Painting & Decoration Nigel Plumbe 41
Piano Marion Blech 17
Schools French & Spanish à La Carte 35
Little Learners (in the Park) 43
Solicitors McGlennons 23
Stain Glass & Leaded lights Coriander 23
Windows SPS Timber Windows 15
Wine Suppliers Park Vintners 15 42
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